Employee & Labor Relations Advocate

University of California System - Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Los Angeles, CA

Educational Services

About the position

Reporting to the Manager of Labor Relations in Campus Human Resources, the Employee & Labor Relations Advocate represents the University in labor arbitrations, internal administrative hearings, and proceedings before the California Public Employment Relations Board. Evaluate the merits of employee complaints (grievances, administrative reviews, and unfair labor practice charges) by interviewing witnesses, reviewing policies and relevant documentation, and contracts, conducting complex legal research, and identifying strategies for the University's response. Provides employee relations consultation to university management, employees, and designated representatives, including analysis and interpretation of university policies and procedures and applicable employment and labor law, contract administration, organizational change, problem-solving and decision-making assistance, and conflict resolution services. Participate in and lead supervisory/management training activities, including seminar design and facilitation on employee relations issues. Coach and counsel managers and employees in clarifying goals and objectives, and enhancing problem-solving, planning, and communication skills. Conduct workplace investigations and department training on applicable topics including contract interpretation and just cause. Participate as the University representative in both system-wide and local collective bargaining. Perform other duties as assigned. Occasional travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Represent the University in labor arbitrations and internal administrative hearings.
• Evaluate employee complaints by interviewing witnesses and reviewing relevant documentation.
• Conduct complex legal research and identify strategies for the University's response.
• Provide employee relations consultation to university management and employees.
• Participate in and lead supervisory/management training activities.
• Coach and counsel managers and employees on goals and objectives.
• Conduct workplace investigations and department training.
• Participate as the University representative in collective bargaining.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience in acting as management advocate in grievances, arbitrations, and unfair labor practice charges.
• Skill in writing clear, concise, analytical, legally correct, and persuasive documents.
• Skill in resolving conflicts in a demanding environment.
• Skill in analyzing labor relations information and proposing solutions.
• Ability to communicate professionally with all levels of management and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain complex collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to establish rapport and professional credibility with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with general direction and minimal supervision.
• General knowledge of labor and employment laws applicable to the public sector.

Nice-to-haves

• At least five years of experience in labor and employment law.
• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from an accredited ABA law school.
• Master's Degree of Legal Studies (MLS) recognized by the ABA.
• Admitted to practice law in California or another U.S. jurisdiction.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification.
• HRCI Certification.

Benefits

• Full pay range based on budget, experience, skills, and other considerations.
• Benefits start on day one.